Charles 10th Marquis of Huntly Memorial

The Charles 10th Marquis of Huntly Memorial stands as a rather austere reminder of 19th-century Scottish aristocracy, just outside Aboyne in Aberdeenshire. It's not the sort of thing that'll keep you entertained for hours - you're looking at a monument that rewards a brief stop rather than a lengthy visit. The memorial itself is straightforward: a stone marker commemorating one of the region's most powerful landowners, set in countryside that's far more interesting than the monument itself, frankly.

History enthusiasts will find it worthwhile as a tangible connection to the Highland gentry who shaped this part of Scotland, though you'll need to do your own research beforehand to get much from standing in front of it. Families with young children might find it underwhelming - there's no visitor centre, no interpretation boards, just stone and the elements.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Aboyne Loch Caravan Park is barely a mile away, and Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site just over four miles off - it makes sense to include it in a local walk rather than as a destination in itself. The real appeal is the excuse to get out into proper Deeside countryside, where the River Dee and surrounding glens offer far more lasting interest than the memorial itself. Allow ten minutes maximum to pay your respects, then head into Aboyne proper for something with actual substance.